Home Smart 100 2014 Footprint Preliminary Business Diagnostic (NSW) — 2014 SMART 100

Footprint Preliminary Business Diagnostic (NSW) — 2014 SMART 100

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This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.

1. THE BEGINNING

This innovation came to life when…

As a management consultant with business startup and general management experience, I often notice CEOs and Executives want to progress their organisation in areas that have above-average performance. In other areas where performance is below benchmark, and where they have little or no experience, they are often unaware of what can be achieved.

To help them focus on what will deliver the greatest benefit to their company, I worked with an application developer in August 2013 to create a business diagnostic App so executives can identify and deliver the best improvement/s across their business.

2. WHAT & HOW

The purpose of this innovation is to…

Purpose:
The application is a tool for CEOs, business divisions to conduct a broad business review. It can be used by executives, managers, and cross-functional teams.

Problem solving:
It provides information that ensures the business focuses on the right priorities.

It does this by…

The users can freely download the Application from the Apple store or Google Play. With their password they can start completing the diagnostic, which is divided into eight major business areas. Their results will be emailed to them immediately after completing the diagnostic. For a team the data will be aggregated and summarized into a team report.

3. PURPOSE & BENEFITS

This innovation improves on what came before because…

The alternatives are web-based and paper-based solutions, or face-to-face consulting interviews. The new application advantages are:

  • Organisations can self-review
  • Faster, easier and more cost-effective
  • Better confidentiality due to security
  • Quicker reporting (emailed upon completion)
  • Provides immediate focus for business decision making
  • Provides benchmark per industry on demand

Its various benefits to the customer/end-user include…

  • Can undertake preliminary or comprehensive diagnostic
  • Review covers main business areas
  • Readily presentable information
  • Easy to manipulate data and compare reports between teams/divisions
  • Can be completed remotely with smartphone or iPad

4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

In the past, this problem was solved by…

To date, business diagnostics is conducted by consultants. It is time-consuming and reliant on individual skill, training and ability to collect the data. Other web-based diagnostic tools do not offer the combined range of functionality, simplicity or across business diagnostic options.

Its predecessors/competitors include…

Most business diagnostic work is by consulting/business improvement firms using paper-based tools. This is time-consuming for consultants and clients, and therefore more costly (relying on face-to-face meetings). Other alternatives are web-based diagnostics tools that are not as user-friendly.

5. TARGET MARKET

It is made for…

1. Direct businesses:

  • Small-to-medium-size companies (any industry, including NFP)
  • Large companies (often needing input prior to a strategy workshop)

2. Consulting practices and business improvement organisations:

  • Able to license the application to provide diagnostic support

3. Accounting firms and banks:

  • Expressions of interest received to help support business clients (e.g. small business support division)

The current focus is Australia although there is overseas interest. Phase two development will include a French version with plans to make available in other languages for other markets.

It is available for sale through…

  • Apple Store, Google Play
  • Link on Footprint Consulting’s website
  • Link on other Consulting firms’ websites, when they have a license
  • Through other clients such as banks, accounting firms

Our marketing strategy is to…

  • Presentations and networking through executive networks/associations
  • Marketing via industry organisations e.g. currently promoted by Australian Steel Institute and French Australian Chamber of Commerce to their members
  • Website promotion
  • Consulting/business improvement firms
  • Distributors in selected countries

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FINE PRINT
This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.